Giteau says goodbye to Toulon and Top 14

Matt Giteau has confirmed this season at Toulon will be his last, flagging an imminent move to Japan.

Giteau posted a French farewell message on Instagram on Monday evening (Australian time), indicating he had opted to move to Japan.

While the post was in French, the sentiment was relatively clear, translated as below:

"I want to announce that at the end of this season I will leave to play in Japan," he wrote.

"Making this decision was the toughest of my rugby career but it is the best for my family to be closer to Australia. - Matt Giteau

"I want to say a big thank you to the players, (who I have made life long friendship with), coaches, president and staff behind the scenes since 2011. I owe a lot to you.

"I also want to say a big thank you to the Toulon fans who will remain in my heart for life. The time spent in Toulon was the best period of my rugby career. My main goal now is to win titles for this historic club."

The Sungoliath have completed an undefeated season in 2016-17, led by ageless backrower George Smith, a former Brumbies teammate of Giteau's.

England coach and Giteau's first Test mentor, Eddie Jones, has strong ties to the club after steering the team from 2009-2012 and is believed to have been influential in helping Giteau finalise the move.

I want to announce that at the end of this season I will leave to play in Japan. Making this decision was the toughest of my rugby career but it is the best for my family to be closer to Australia. I want to say a big thank you to the players, (who I have made life long friendship with), coaches, president and staff behind the scenes since 2011. I owe a lot to you
I also want to say a big thank you to the Toulon fans who will remain in my heart for life. The time spent in Toulon was the best period of my rugby career. My main goal now is to win titles for this historic club 🔴⚫️ #ToujoursToulonnais #MerciEncore
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